"We know that the city and the region will lose if the University of Washington is not able to respond to these changes quickly," wrote Theresa Doherty, UW assistant vice president of regional affairs, in a letter to the council's legislative department.

Councilwoman Judy Nicastro, who heads the land use committee, said the amended plan struck "a good balance" between protecting the neighborhood and encouraging growth.

"This is a preliminary decision agenda," she said. "I'm looking forward to their feedback."

The process is not over. The UW Board of Regents must also approve the plan. The City Council will vote again after two comment periods.

The resolution yesterday passed 7-1, with Councilwoman Heidi Wills absent. Councilwoman Jan Drago cast the only no vote, noting that she still had questions.

Community members had fought specific aspects of the plan because they worried about the effects of traffic, noise, housing and development on neighborhoods.

The council denied some zoning height changes, including at the golf driving range, and required the university to help monitor the quality of off-campus housing.

But the university kept its transportation plan, despite some concerns from neighbors about whether it could maintain current traffic trips.

Causing a slight tizzy, Mayor Greg Nickels sent a letter to the council lobbying on behalf of the university.

Community members cried foul, saying the quasi-legal proceeding that had been set in place to maintain the appearance of fairness prohibited them from contacting the council.

The council didn't consider the mayor's letter and the vote proceeded as planned.